AN IRVINE carer stole more than £12k in benefits while claiming to look after a person who was dead for six years.

Susan Gibson, 66, admitted fleecing the cash through failing to inform authorities at the Department of Work and Pensions [DWP] on the High Street and her home on Cochrane Street, Irvine, that the person she was caring for died on September 2, 2013.

Court papers state Gibson knowingly failed to give prompt notification in the prescribed manner to DWP officials of the change in circumstances which she knew affected the entitlement to benefits between September 3, 2013 and October 27, 2019.

The amended criminal complaint states Gibson pleaded guilty to taking £12,500 in total – in breach of Section 111A(1a) of the Social Security Administration Act 1992.

Gibson is due to appear in court for sentencing at a later date this year.

Any criminality across the area can be reported to Police Scotland by contacting officers on 101.

In an emergency dial 999.

Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”